RESEARCH HUB International Multidisciplinary Research Journal

Agricultural Subsidies and Their Long-Term Effects on Indian Economy

Hemant Khare — 2026-04-15

Agricultural subsidies have been a central component of India’s rural development strategy since independence, aimed at ensuring food security, supporting farmer incomes, and promoting agricultural productivity. While these subsidies—covering inputs such as fertilizers, electricity, irrigation, and price support mechanisms—have contributed significantly to agricultural growth, their long-term effects on the Indian economy present a complex picture. This study critically examines the economic, environmental, and social implications of sustained subsidy regimes in India. It highlights how subsidies have led to fiscal burdens, inefficient resource use, distorted cropping patterns, and regional disparities. The overreliance on input subsidies has contributed to environmental degradation, such as groundwater depletion and soil fertility decline. Additionally, subsidies have often favored large farmers, exacerbating rural inequalities. The paper argues for a policy shift towards targeted, market-oriented, and sustainable subsidy frameworks that prioritize equity and long-term economic efficiency. Such reforms are essential to promote sustainable agricultural growth, rural welfare, and fiscal prudence in the evolving Indian economy.

Assessment of Soil Physical and Chemical Characteristics and Their Spatial Variability in Alipurduar District, West Bengal, India

Dipankar Saha — 2026-04-15

Soil characteristics play a vital role in determining agricultural productivity and sustainable land use, particularly in regions exhibiting significant spatial variability. The present study assesses the physical and chemical properties of soil and their spatial distribution in Alipurduar District using a landscape-based approach. Soil samples were collected from representative locations and analyzed for key physical parameters such as texture, depth, drainage, permeability, and surface coarse fragments, along with chemical properties including soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, and major nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). The results indicate that the study area is predominantly characterized by coarse loamy soils with medium to rapid permeability, influencing water movement and nutrient dynamics. Soil depth varies from shallow to very deep, affecting root development and crop productivity, while drainage conditions range from poorly drained to moderately well-drained, impacting aeration and water availability. Chemically, the soils are largely acidic (pH 3.2–7.91), which affects nutrient availability, particularly phosphorus. Electrical conductivity is generally low, indicating non-saline conditions. Nutrient analysis reveals low to moderate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with generally low organic carbon content, reflecting the impact of land use practices and continuous cultivation. The study highlights significant spatial variability in soil properties, governed by physiography, land use, and environmental factors. These variations emphasize the need for site-specific soil management practices, including balanced fertilization, liming, and organic matter enhancement, to improve soil fertility and agricultural productivity. The findings provide a scientific basis for sustainable soil resource management and informed land use planning in the region.

Risk-Return Analysis of Green Bonds Issued by Indian Corporates

V Kanimozhi — 2026-04-15

The world is moving towards development and this is why green finance is very important for Indias plan to have Net-Zero emissions by 2070. This study looks at how Indian companies that use green bonds to move to renewable energy are doing financially. It checks if these companies can make money compared to other companies in the market. The study looks at seven Indian companies and uses special tools like the Capital Asset Pricing Model and Sharpe Ratio to see how well they are doing. It also looks at how carbon they are not emitting and how much renewable energy they are using. This helps us see the impact of green bonds. The goal of this study is to give investors and policymakers facts to show that taking care of the environment and making money are not things in Indias modern market. Green finance and green bonds are important for Indias future. This study wants to show that they can be good for the environment and, for business.

Impact of Digital Payment System on Commercial Bank’s Profitability and Operational Performance

V Kanimozhi — 2026-04-15

This paper examines various impacts of utilizing digital payment technology on the financial performance of commercial banks in India. The research explores the impact of different payment methods, such as UPI, internet banking, card payments, and others, on the performance and efficiency of operations in banks under consideration. The research is based on quantitative techniques and explanatory analysis of secondary data, taken from a well-balanced sample of scheduled commercial banks in India (both public and private), to see if there is a relationship between digital payment intensity and financial metrics, specifically ROA, ROE, and NIM of the considered banks. The transactions made using different digital technologies, such as UPI and NEFT/RTGS payments, among others, will be evaluated in the research. The findings show that although digital technology has a significant effect on efficiency, costs, and cost savings for banks, the effect on profits can differ depending on the bank specifics.

Transforming Education through Artificial intelligence: opportunities, Innovation and Risks

Swati Sharma — 2026-04-15

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the educational fabric represents one of the most profound structural shifts in the history of human learning. As global society moves deeper into the era of digitalization, the traditional models of pedagogy, which have remained largely static for over a century, are confronting a crisis of quality, relevance, and inclusion. This research investigates the multi-dimensional impact of Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED), with a specific focus on the burgeoning higher education landscape in India. Through an exhaustive analysis of academic frameworks, institutional case studies, and policy imperatives, the report illuminates how AI-driven innovations—ranging from intelligent tutoring systems to automated administrative workflows—are redefining the roles of educators and learners alike. The evidence suggests that while AI offers an unprecedented opportunity to democratize high-quality education and close accessibility gaps, it also necessitates a rigorous ethical framework to mitigate risks associated with algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the potential erosion of critical thinking skills. By aligning technological advancement with human-centered pedagogical strategies, institutions can foster a future-ready ecosystem that supports lifelong learning and career readiness in a globalized digital economy.